If you have high cholesterol or hypertension or are at risk for heart disease, your doctor may recommend supplementing your diet with cod liver oil. This fish oil supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect your heart against disease. Despite the benefits of fish oil, discuss the potential negative effects of cod liver oil with your medical provider before you begin treatment with this supplement.
Mild Side Effects
Common side effects associated with cod liver oil involve the gastrointestinal tract. You may feel nauseated, belch or have loose bowel movements. Treatment with this supplement may also induce heartburn, which may cause throat discomfort, chest pain or stomach irritation. Cod liver oil supplement may also make your breath smell fishy -- a side effect that may be embarrassing to certain people. If any of these side effects persists or becomes severe, contact your doctor for further guidance and care.
Severe Side Effects
Cod liver oil contains high levels of both vitamin A and vitamin D. If you take this fish oil supplement in large doses or for an extended period of time, you may be at risk of developing vitamin A or vitamin D toxicity. When there is too much vitamin A in your body, you may develop dry, itchy skin, headache or joint pain or a diminished appetite. Excessive levels of vitamin D may cause heart rate irregularities, weakness, constipation, nausea, vomiting or appetite loss. In the absence of appropriate medical care, chronically elevated vitamin A and vitamin D levels may cause potentially life-threatening health complications.
Additionally, taking more than the recommended 20 to 30ml -- or 1 to 2 tsp. -- of cod liver oil daily may induce more severe side effects. Cod liver oil may interfere with the way your blood normally clots and may cause bleeding complications such as nose bleeds. If you experience symptoms of vitamin A or D toxicity or develop unusual bleeding or bruising problems, seek prompt care from your physician.
Medication Interactions
Discuss all medications you are taking with your medical provider before you begin treatment with cod liver oil. This fish oil supplement may enhance the effects of anticoagulants and medications for high blood pressure, according to RxList. Concomitant use of cod liver oil and antihypertensive drugs may cause a significant drop in your blood pressure, which may result in dizziness, headache or fatigue. Additionally, using anticoagulants in conjunction with cod liver oil may increase your risk of developing bruising or bleeding complications.
Contraindications
Talk with your physician about any health problems or concerns you have before taking cod liver oil. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take this fish oil supplement unless otherwise instructed by your medical provider, since the safety of cod liver oil during pregnancy is unknown. People who are sensitive to aspirin should also avoid taking this supplement because they may experience breathing problems after receiving treatment with cod liver oil supplements.
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